Isaac Owusu
Ticats.ca
Linebacker Erik Harris put together one of the most impressive individual statistical performances in Tiger-Cats history on Saturday afternoon, registering a reception, a touchdown, a sack, an interception, a pass knockdown, a defensive tackle and a special teams tackle.
His impressive outing was not enough as the Hamilton Tiger Cats fell 30-20 to the league’s top team, the Calgary Stampeders, at Ron Joyce Stadium.
Harris’ first career reception and touchdown came on Hamilton’s highlight trick play where he went incognito and lined up as a tight end. He was able to sneak behind the defence and catch a deep pass from quarterback Dan LeFevour for a 55-yard score.
“It was not enough. Obviously I’m excited, first CFL touchdown, I haven’t scored a touchdown since High School. So it’s exciting but it’s not enough,” Harris said following the game.
Down 20-10 in the third quarter, Harris also earned his first interception of the season, picking off Bo-Levi Mitchell. Later in the quarter he brought Mitchell down for a crucial sack for loss of seven yards.
Even after his historical effort, he remained focused on the team aspect following the game.
“We have to turn things around and I think we have the right guys in the locker room. Everybody is showing leadership. I really believe in everybody on this team,” Harris said.
Note: CFL officials have not yet confirmed, but it’s believed that Harris is the first player in CFL history to record a receiving touchdown, an interception and a sack in one game and the first player since 1982 to record a receiving touchdown and interception.
